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The top two sides in each of the eight groups progress to the round of 16 as the tournament enters the first of its sudden-death knockout rounds.

Where teams finish on equal points, placings are determined by goal difference. If teams are still level it reverts to goals scored. If even that is not enough to separate teams, progress is determined by the drawing of lots (watch out, Nigeria and Iran).

Each group plays its pair of fixtures simultaneously so as to keep other teams unaware of results until full-time.

Top spot can be a crucial placement, as it means a round-of-16 berth against the corresponding group's second-placed side.

With plenty to play for in each group, look through each team's prospects of progression and what their final fixtures mean to their World Cup fate.